Nationally, September 3 is the day when we recognize the vital role played by the Merchant Navy seafarers in peace and war, maintaining this country’s economy and prosperity.

Even today 90% of everything we use or consume has been carried by ships to these shores.

September 3, Merchant Navy Day, is the anniversary of the first maritime casualties of the Second World War - the torpedoing of the SS Athena.

During the Battle of the Atlantic around 30,000 seafarers lost their lives.

They, and all other seamen who have made sacrifices, will be commemmorated by the Ipswich Brannch of the Merchant Navy Association, in the presence of the mayor and mayoress of Ipswich, at the new memorial to seafarers on Orwell Quay, Ipswich at 10,30 am on Wednesday September 3.